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| What's your call to action? |
For today's task, write a new blog post for your blog. In the blog post, include a call to action at the end of the post.
What's a call to action?
I include calls to action at the end of all my posts. Sometimes, they are links to products and services offered by my employer (F+W Media) or some other entity. Often, I include links to other posts and ways to follow me on other sites. Even the share buttons are a call to action of sorts.
Why include a call to action?
A call to action is good for giving readers direction and a way to engage more with you. Links to previous posts provide readers with more helpful or interesting information. Links to your social media profiles give readers a way to connect with you on those sites. These calls to action are beneficial to you and your readers.
What if I'm just getting started?
Even if you are completely new to everything, you should have an earlier blog post from last week, a Twitter account, a Facebook account, and a LinkedIn account. Link to these at the end of your blog post today. It's a proper starting place.
And that's all you need to do today. Write a new blog post with a call to action at the end. (Btw, if you're at a loss and need something to blog about, you can always comment on that article you shared yesterday.)
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Need to catch up or re-visit earlier challenge tasks? Here the most recent:
97 comments:
I guess I'm doing this already?
1) I'm in kind of a perpetual ranking contest (Top Mommy Blogs) that ranks blogs by votes through readers. So at the end of each blog post I always ask readers to cast a vote by clicking a button. To make things easier (for me), I've gone to settings and then formatting (Blogger) and added it in so it's at the end of each blog post automatically.
2)Though not every day, I often have a link back to a previous post in the body of the new post.
3)Also, after I've published each post, I always link them to both Twitter and FB, and usually also to Pinterest, as well.
Done. I wrote a post on "poet crushes" (my current ones being Nikky Finney, Terrance Hayes, and Sandra Beasley) and why they rock :), and ended with an invite to connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn! I guess we'll see if anybody bites!
Done. A little bit about my experiences with beta readers.
Here it is: http://bit.ly/IqjVlF
Hm. This one is going to take me some time to think about. It's the call to action part that I need to mull over.
DONE! And this really IS a call to action! I want everyone to see this. It could change how you interact with your day, and if you're lucky, your life!
Chuck Close is like a silent partner to me, as an artist and someone who negotiates both a learning and physical disability.
Please go see what I’m talking about!
http://pronagger.com/artist-chuck-close-writes-a-note-to-younger-self/
Yes, Anne, those are calls to action. Good stuff.
Those are great poets, Khara!
Just don't mull too long, Erika, because calls to action can be modified and improved over time.
Thanks for sharing, Rowanwolf and Rachel!
I promise mine will be written today, but probably won't post till tomorrow. I have learned I get better stats if I wait till Friday to post since I only post once a week. Hope that's okay! Plus, I'm really excited about my post and call to action. I think it's hysterical and something my readers will love.
If the essay or poem is sparked by an article, I always link to it, as well as any referenced prior posts. Every post includes a photograph, pulled from creative commons. I always link the photo and the photographer's credit to the photographer's site. I like using Flickr to support other fledgling artists. Some of the pictures I've found are quite remarkable and provide a great punctuation to the writing.
What about inviting your readers to comment on a particular situation, is that a call to action? For example, as an expat when I blog about my experience getting a passport for my kids I ask other expats hey, how do they do this where you live?
I hope it's okay that I tweaked this assignment to fit my publishing schedule and my market. I schedule my posts for certain days and link with Pinterest. I get a lot of traffic from my target market (teachers). At the end of my post scheduled to go out tomorrow, I asked a question and posted my contact information.
By the way, I am struggling with LinkedIn. I may need to take some time this weekend to figure it out.
Done!
I like J.B. Everett's comment about including photographs in posts. I use a Wordpress plug-in called "Zemanta" to suggest images for my posts. You have to read the license rules -- most are fair use, a few aren't.
Good morning. All my posts go out at dawn each day, so I shall include the call to action in tomorrow mornings post. Just to be clear the call to action means you ask or encourage your reader to click on a link.(Either FB or twitter or a past link or a link to another blog) So it is a physical action.
When my blog has run for a year on the 4th of July, I am going to start linking back to 'the post from this date exactly a year ago'. It sounds like fun! And would (if I understand correctly), be a Call to Action! Have a great day! celi
I will write a blog post today with a call to action, but won't post until my blog launches...April 30! (I moved it up a day so it's a Monday.) By the way, thank you for the bit.ly info in yesterday's challenge, I've been wondering how to shorten URL's, and I read somewhere that Twitter shortens them for you automatically, but haven't found that to be the case.
Can't wait to read your Social Media Time Management article. I feel like I'm getting out of control! So many new blogs to check out and so little time!
I posted the following on my blog.
For today's task, we were challenged to write a new blog post and include a call to action at the end of the post.
In prior challenges we were asked to start Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. My call to action is to give you links to each of these so you can check me out on them. If you are not a member of any of these, you must become a member to communicate, however, you can get a look-see by just opening any of them from my web site http://www.tincupnomore.com ; thus, that link is all I have included here.
I'm done. Today my post was about Jesus being the Light of the world and how He called us to be a light. My call to action was for my readers to be that light and how we can be that light. Thanks again for the encouragement you share each day.
Donna
Again something I do at least some of the time, at least in terms of ending my posts with a question that prompts my readers to think about their own response. I was reluctant to do a post today, as I'm already bombarding my followers with daily posts because of the A to Z Challenge, but decided I had something worth saying.
I have talked about -- what else? -- a call to action in my "bonus post" today: http://www.bethstilborn.com/what-action-are-you-being-called-to/
Done. this is the first challenge I have needed to work for. thanks Robert!
My call to action http://joannamarple.com/?p=3381
Done! This was a REAL challenge! I've been neglecting the blog, even considering dropping it, and I feel good about getting back to it. I wrote about this challenge, Robert, and what I've learned. I quoted you (loosely) re social media and time management and linked to your blog.
Here's the link to mine: http://bit.ly/HOdwKT
I hope some of you will check it out! I can see that the site needs some revision. That comes soon.
I still have reservations about linking posts to my Facebook page since it contains so much family information. I'm thinking that with another publication or two (short fiction), I might justify a writer's page. I'd love your take on that (or some of you who are commenting here).
What I've learned: I need to be more self-disciplined re the Internet. I'm going to try putting myself "on the clock" when I'm online and only allow it at certain times of the day, as you suggest. That way, I won't feel I'm neglecting the writing work. I also learned that writing the blog post wasn't so bad after all, even though I thought I had nothing to say at first. I have an idea now for some future posts.
Thank you, thank you--and that goes also to the commenters here who offer such good input.
Now I'm off to the grocery store . . . : (
Done! Managed to work ahead and do this yesteday by luck. Out of town for four days and hoping to keep up...
Hmm... mine is done. Today's 'call to action' is a little weak, but it's there LOL
I'm doing the Blogging from A to Z challenge this month and I'm trying hard not to add in extra posts each day, though if something extra action call-y comes to mine I'll edit the post to add it.
*thinks*
It's written and scheduled for tomorrow (I'm on a MWF routine). So many simple tips that help so much.
Does tagging people in a Lucky 7 count? If so, I've completed today's task by calling 7 other blogger/writers to share seven lines from their works in progress.
Thanks for the challenge Robert! Feeling more social-media savvy every day. :)
I blogged about the MNINB challenge. Am still behind though in meeting the daily challenges. I hope to get up to speed on the weekend. So nice to read all the comments thank you to all. gardenfedenblog.com
Done. Post on no-peel-hard-boiled-eggs that includes a video with linkback to a featured article.
I Don't Want This Guy Blowing in My Ear!
I...hold on...gotta answer a tweet. I will get... oops! New email. Compose, hit send. Hang on while I check facebook, 'like' all new posts, just remembered I want to update my linkedin account- back to twitter to see if anyone RTed me, favorite a few links, watch a video, leave a comment, omg look at the time, work on blog post and finally- Read article on time management.
@caryl so funny. that is exactly how my husband is! I yell a him, "focus!". Anyway, I am going to put this task on my list to get to by end of this week. As I mentioned , it is going to be a challenge since my vacation plans is all about running around. I need a moment to sit where there is wi fi.
Today is Drop Everything and Read Day, so I'm telling my friends and family via FB, T, and G+ to pick up a book or tablet and get some reading done!
I'm just digging into Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. What's everybody else reading?
http://dropeverythingandread.com/
Done. Yesterday, I tweeted something to see if showed up on my personal FB page, my FB fan page, etc. Then, I posted on FB to see if it showed up as a Tweet. Then, I went to my blog and tried the Tweet and FB icons to see what happens (makes your head spin doesn't it?).
Today, I reported on my blog how things worked out, then I encouraged readers also to try the icons and share the blog and the website.
BTW, yesterday I set a new record for visits to my blog. Woo-hoo!
Curious? www.MyPsychicSearch.com
Done: http://puckettpuckette.blogspot.com/2012/04/timeline-series-3_12.html
Done!
Posted a photo prompt and the flash fiction story I wrote using the prompt. Action items are included!
You can get to the post either through my website www.brookeryter.weebly.com by clicking on 'Brooke's Blog'
Or go directly to the blog post at http://swthink.blogspot.com/2012/04/aunt-ellie-and-mrs-barris.html
Please leave a comment telling me 'Whatcha Think' of the fiction piece.
Thanks Robert!!!
At last! I task I already did -- this morning as I was checking my Word Press blog site!
I can take a rest, or actually, get started on the PAD challenge and the Tanka challenge (I already received several "likes" on the post for this that appeared on my Facebook page.)
Done - did a post on a poetic form I'm playing with these days, with a challenge to try it yourself and let me know how it goes...
Done! Mentioned two great articles on attending conferences - 25 Ways to Rock Writer's Conferences is one of them! And linked back to previous posts of mine.
Platform Challenge Day 12
Post written, will publish tomorrow (my usual posting day.) My post is about National Poetry Month & includes links to NMINB, poets.org, and other helpful info. Honestly, I'm not trying to brown nose; I like to cover relevant literary topics w/ my blog posts, and poetry fits this month well! I'm loving all the helpful hints from everyone and can't wait to read your post on time management!
@caryl: hilarious, and true!
Done! Check it out!!
http://fictionfamilyandscience.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html
Done.
http://whimsygizmo.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/platform-diving/
PS: I also posted the article on Twitter, in hopes of getting some actual responses. Lookee at me, bein' all socially techno. :)
de
Done. I wrote a post on my strategy for time management and even added a link to a previous post where I worried about the pressures of social media on my writing time.
As a call to action at the end I included links to three different perspectives (including yours, Robert) I was able to shorten the URLs but am still struggling with linking between sites without a lot of copy and pasting.
http://bit.ly/ItdbU3 (See that! All short and everything!)
Done.
http://www.stevielibra.com/
Done! I added a link to a story that contrasted to the one I linked to yesterday, and continued my own story. My "call to actions" was to ask other people what their experiences were with their aging parents.
http://ckswarriorqueen.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/the-fourth-commandment-part-ii/
Done. I wrote a blog post about participating in the Southern Kentucky Book Fest next week and included a link to my website book page:
http://evelynchristensen.com/books.html
I think I'm done. I have the widget at the bottom that links to similar posts. I have a question. If we have the buttons in our sidebar to twitter and facebook, etc... is that sufficient, or is it better to have a "connect with me" at the end of each post?
"To arms! Huzzah!" Or words like that. Hey, I'm interacting ... Posted here.
http://larabritt.com/about/
I created an about page on my new blog site. It does end with a follow me.
Also has two referents to blog posts that I need to write. Best get cracking.
Also personalized the header and renamed my blog. Lots of tweaking left to do.
I posted <a href="http://www.joyweesemoll.com/2012/04/12/three-reasons-to-exercise-today/>Three Reasons to Exercise Today</a> with a call to join my weekly event, Readers' Workouts.
Done. My call to action is asking writers to take part in my free writing prompt challenge.
I've done a limited call to action today by asking for comments.
Tomorrow, I will be updating two of my blogs that are really behind because I've been concentrating more on this one and my company blog.
I'll do a more expansive call to action there as an invitation to check out where my time has gone.
Finished with my blog post, "Dropping the Oars, Together" (available at: http://www.facebook.com/notes/patrick-j-walsh/dropping-the-oars-together/335910869805969).
I've basically written about the difference between writing for online publication now and what it was like to do so back in the days when online publishing was mostly just an extension of print publications.
I'm also sending the link via Twitter, FB & LinkedIn.
My action item is simple: I ask readers to subscribe to my blog.
Never linked to previous related posts before, great plan!
Hey Nicole here. Done.
Until tomorrow
A little behind on tonight, but I've finally got it done. http://jenmcpeek.blogspot.com/2012/04/characters-are-weird.html
DONE WITH DAY 12. NOT REALLY LIKING PUTTING POSTS OUT THERE YET BECAUSE THE WEBSITE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION. SEE Y'ALL TOMORROW!
Done...
Done. I ended with a little survey about what blogs people read.
http://elizabethsaunders.blogspot.com/2012/04/blogging-on-brain-part-2.html
Done.
Done. Though my call to action feels sort of self-serving. But then I was thinking that that's kind of the purpose, after all. I think I did it right.
I like other people's call to action better though. Of course, I always have another chance another day!!
I combined two tasks in one, and finally revisited my writing goals in a post titled, "Writing Goals - My Writing Bucket List revisited"...here's the link: http://bit.ly/HEaOy9
Finished my post on character development:
http://dirtygirlswriting.blogspot.com/2012/04/strength-training-for-wimpy-character.html
Asked for comments on questions you ask when creating a character sketch.
As far as the challenge go, I would be interested to hear if Robert has a technique for writing blogposts, a certain target length, or how long creating a single post usually takes.
finally got it done after way too much distraction:
http://hcfitzpatrick.com/2012/04/12/healthcare-architect-certification-by-the-american-college-of-healthcare-architects/
Robert -
I have been doing this. But for my post today, I made it more pronounced and personal. In addition, I linked back to a prior post and linked to another person's post. You can see this on: www.bendsintheroad.com/blog/ Look at the most recent post.
Just an FYI: I get your subsciption emails for your posts @ around 11pm of that day: ex post for day 12 came at 11pm on 4/12
Monique
Hello Everyone,
Today's Post for me was about how I realized that my past decisions and the ways I did things defined the path I should have chosen at one point.
There are also call to actions at the bottom which will start being on every post.
The post is located here:
http://inthedemonshead.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-demons-head-12.html
I got it done. I called for people to read my novels-in-progress samples posted on my blog and on Goodreads.com
My Blog post:
http://mactamicksfinestscotchltd.com/2012/04/13/is-anything-happening-here-10-2/
#MINIB forever!
Okay, consider it done! I thought i wasn't able to do this right away, but it's past midnight and here it is: http://tinyurl.com/d9pvajf
i am cheating. i have a major post coming up on 2 of my blogs, one this weekend and one next tuesday...consider it done. I did spend time looking at "how to" do it, so I hope that counts.
Boom! It's done. My call to action was to leave a comment. You can see it at http://www.jmlalonde.com/what-to-do-when-your-routine-is-interrupted/
I had put something cutsey as my call to action because I didn't know what to say. Then I saw you call to action on my WD e-mail. So clean, simple and to the point. I'll leave the cutsey one as my first one but I'm using your style from then on. Thanks for the challenge.
My blog is about books I've read, so there is always the implicit call to action to read the book or make use of whatever writing insights I've gleaned from it. Have made it more explicit in the next post (will be published Monday).
Done! http://kendramerritt.com/?p=128. And there are going to be some awesome posts about current events in the writing and disability world the next couple weeks.
i finally got to day 12! post and call to actions done!! here it is:
http://followingmyownrainbow.blogspot.com/
My call to action is pretty blatant. What do you think?
http://madeline40.blogspot.com/2012/04/please-join-me-at-la-times-festival-of.html
Done. ;)
Tanka challenge and I challenge you to find a challenge. Hope you'll check it out!!
http://rebeccabarray.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge-tanka.html
I never thought of calling it a call to action. I often include links but I tend to hide them. Now I've got a name for them I'll be more proactive about suggesting readers follow them.
Done.
Done.
I'm still struggling with Wordpress procedure, but finally got the post posted. Photos were the biggest aggravation because they are so disorganized. My "call to action" was asking readers to help me understand what is magical about Florida landscape. No Links, although I guess I could have linked to a petition campaign to stop a cattle finishing ranch near Ocala. I'll go back and see if I can do that.
Er, uh, how do you insert a link in a post?
One more. My blog is
skipperhammond.wordpress.com
I like Cecilia's idea of linking to a year-old post (if I think it was a good one). It is a shame to have those occasional "brilliant" pieces die in the old blog pages.
Blog assignment pending til morning. . .the part of the morning after the sun comes up.
Done. I had a link to a prior post in the beginning of the blog, and a call to action at the end, asking for reader feedback or questions. Mentions of social media sites (twitter, facebook, pinterest) within the article can be clicked to link to my accounts. So it was a pretty action-packed blog! Lara (I think it was you), I appreciate your comment about a widget for "similar posts" in Wordpress -- I hadn't seen that, so will check it out. A couple of my earliest posts on the blog are ones I want to be able to continue to draw readers, as they've been favorites.
My latest blog post (at cernwife.blogspot.com) deals with self-promotion, politics, and platform development. I find it very hard to self-promote, which is what platform development is. But I included links to my Facebook page, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts, as well as to My Name Is Not Bob.
Done.
Done!
Done. I am constantly floored by how hard this is for me. I have been avoiding this task because I just knew you were gonna make me link that blog and send it out.
I am actually, truly, really scared to do this.
Thank you so much for this challenge. I hate it, but it becomes clearer everyday that I NEVER would have done this on my own.
Done :-)
Done.
http://ow.ly/ak2un
I also cross posted this to all my social media.
:-)
Done
I am trying to catch up. I just published a new post on my blog. I put up a photo of a famous person, and told a little story that links him to my topic which was hearing the voice of God. The call to action was a question at the end, and I also invited others to share times when they have heard the voice of God. This is the first time I linked the blog to facebook and Twitter. I was not ready before. I invite any fellow April Challenge people to check it out. Be kind. I am new at this. Thanks!
Late but done...
http://writingblog.truckpoetry.net/2012/04/outlines-and-maple-trees.html
I completed this yesterday and didn't realize it! See my latest blog post on Writing Referee. Call to action using the 80/20 Rule in time management and writing. @ http://www.cowpasturechronicles.blogspot.com
Done!
Here it is:
http://denise-roomtowrite.blogspot.com/2012/04/building-platform.html
The last few blog posts I have been using the tag suggestions, which put clickable links into my posts, directing people to find more info. On today's poem post for NaPoWriMo, that has links to Wikipedia for ekphrastic, Robert Lowell, Beaux Arts and to a Keats poem as well as Lowell's. In my Literary events post yesterday, there are various links and calls for people to attend readings, workshops and enter contests. Think that covers it!
Done, just had forgotten to post that I did it.
Done. I'm going to start leaving links at the end of my blog posts. A couple months back I started ending each post with "if you liked this post please let others know" followed by an invite to read my next blog post with a teaser of what that post will be about.
I posted about my journey to complete the challenge. My call to action is to visit me on the various social media sites and for each MNINB challenger to keep encouraging each other beyond 30 April.
Here is the link http://shirleyisnotmyname.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge.html
All the best!
Done. Here is the link:
http://monicamiller.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/if-youre-still-breathing-its-not-too-late/
I don't remember if I already posted a comment. If I did, then disregard this one. Just letting you know I did the assignment. I fell behind due to sickness but I haven't dropped off. I plan to use this program to change my life.
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